I thought this since 2004, and I’m sure you have too: the presidential debates are getting more and more pointless. At this stage in the election, everyone has made up their minds. And if they haven’t, then those independents won’t change if the candidates continue to say and act the way they have explained for the last few months.
What really confuses me is how someone can justify who “wins” or “loses” these things. Both of them remained reserved and never pushed the boundaries. They said or didn’t say the same things they have been saying or not saying. I could have written a script for both of the candidates… I seem to think McCain has performed pretty well in these things (much the same way that if Dubua can deliver a speech without making up a word or two we would say he “won”) but the public continues to think Obama won. I mean, I love that, but I hope that translates into votes in November. I would argue that it didn’t really in 2004 where I thought Kerry seemed to “win” those debates but no one seemed to be affected on election day.
What KILLED me about this debate in particular was Tom Brokaw! He acted more like an angry parent than the moderator of a presidential debate. He tried to control the time but obviously it is not going to work with two gentlemen concerned with getting their ideas across directly to the American public. Just assume they are going to go over time and work with it. He didn’t need need to get cute and call them out for not noticing the warning lights. We’re not watching you Tom, just let them talk.
I hope the final debate is more exciting. Maybe get the candidates to talk about social issues like gay rights and abortion so no matter which side they take it would be fun to watch them try and wiggle around it with political savvy. One of these two men (or their vice presidential candidates) will be the next president of the United States. These are the men that their parties chose. Pay attention in the coming weeks, make an informed decision, and exercise the greatest right afforded to Americans. They might not be the best candidates, but they are the ones running. It’s up to us to choose the best for America right now.
